PO1 Rodelyn Gonzaga was first reported missing Sunday afternoon at the height of search-and-rescue operations in Bayawan City after continuous and heavy rains for at least three days inundated a large part of the city proper.

On Monday morning, the body of PO1 Gonzaga was recovered at Sitio Pacifica, Punong 3 in Barangay Caranoche, Sta. Catalina, said Sr. Insp. Dexter Calacar, training director of the PNP Regional Special Training Unit 7 (RSTU-7) based in Cebu and in charge of the PNP SCOUT course.

Calacar said Gonzaga’s body was found floating along the shore by a certain Randy Salvero, a resident of Sitio Pacifica, and who reported the discovery to Caranoche Barangay Captain Alfonso Olam.

Gonzaga’s body was brought to the Bayawan District Hospital where he was pronounced dead by attending physicians.

Sr. Insp. Calacar said arrangements are now being made for the wake of PO1 Gonzaga, who hails from Bayawan City.

His parents and siblings were informed immediately about his demise, Calacar added.

Initial investigation showed Gonzaga was with a team of SCOUT classmates deployed to help in rescue operations Sunday after the Banga River in Bayawan overflowed and caused flooding in the city, trapping many people inside their homes.

Calacar said PO1 Gonzaga had just returned from rescuing one victim and was wading through waist deep water when he was carried away by strong currents.

Gonzaga is one of 112 police personnel, including 15 females, who are scheduled to graduate from their 45-day SCOUT course on the first week of November. (PNA)